By the Huayin Pond, it was now a sea of people.
The temporary kitchen tents were packed more densely than in previous years, with only four or five feet separating adjacent tents. There were hardly any barriers between them, just barely enough space for a couple of pots of flowers and plants for decoration. The wooden walls were thin; if one spoke loudly within their own tent, those next door could clearly hear everything.
Presumably because the kitchens were stiflingly hot, many had gathered outside, mostly men with a few women scattered among them, chatting in groups, buzzing and rumbling, making the lakeside even more noisy.
Qing You had visited the day before and, without needing Hua Xiaomai to instruct him, took the lead, pointing ahead as he said, "Boss, hurry, our Daoxiang Garden's kitchen tent is right there!"
Hua Xiaomai, slightly dizzy from the sun, smiled at him with a hand shielding her forehead and followed him towards the southeast, scanning around her.
